Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Man, I love movies. 2009 was a great movie year. A lot of good action, drama, and well made movies. 2009 showed us you do not need a huge budget to be successful (Paranormal Activity and District 9) but it helps (Avatar). I am going to list my top ten movies of the year but wanted to show all the movies I saw that are not on my top ten.

When I see a movie sometimes I need to see it more than once to get the full effect. Here are some movies that did not make my list but I feel could if I was able to see them more than once. I will call them the very honorable mentions:

FanboysWhere the Wild Things AreI Love You ManUp In the AirZombielandUpSherlock Holmes

My Top Ten Films seen in 2009:

10. Watchmen - Director Zack Snyder tried to take on the best graphic novel ever written in Alan Moore's masterpiece Watchmen. The end result is not a perfect film in the least, but the overall film is as close to copy of the graphic novel. I am almost putting this on the list for the scope of the overall production, trying to take on this material and make it into film is such a daunting task. I really think Jackie Earle Haley stole the show as Rorschach, a very anti hero. The movie was a great overall effort and I give everyone kudos for making a very enjoyable comic book movie which did not adhere to the typical superhero movies you see today.

9. Moon - Duncan Jones directed a great piece of science fiction and Sam Rockwell gives an amazing performance as a man who is very isolated working on the Moon. The movie really is more like the science fiction films of old, it is slowly paced but it works really well for the movie. Once Sam (Rockwell, a very unrrated actor) realizes that something is up the movie goes in a trippy and sometimes funny story. Overall the movie really gives you that feel of isolation and despair.

8. Funny People - Funny People is the least acclaimed Judd Apatow movie, and I can understand why. This is not a normal feel good movie that is all jokes. The movie is more grounded in how real people act towards one another. Adam Sandler stars as George Simmons, a man who is mega star comedian but has found out he has a type of cancer. He takes on a up and coming stand up comedian Ira (Seth Rogen) to help him write jokes and keep him company. I believe their relationship is the main story going on here. George also finds an old flame and tries to rekindle things with her. Overall I enjoyed the movie because I have some friends who do stand up and can relate easily to that world. I also think the way people act in this movie is realistic, this is somewhat how me and my friends act. We always make jokes and poke fun but like George and Ira, in the end we are just friends who enjoy one anothers company.

7. The Hangover - The Hangover is probably the best straight up comedy to come along in a few years. The cast was just perfect, and I could not stop laughing at the inventive ways this movie played out. It is all about a bachelor party that was so crazy no one remembers what happened. Slowly through the movie we get to see how the events of the previous night unfolded and involved Mike Tyson, a tiger, a naked Chinese man, and a pulled tooth. I am not saying this movie is deep, but my lists usually tend to go by how I was entertained and I was very entertained by The Hangover.

6. (500) Days Of Summer - Director Marc Webb creates the way all us guys feel when we are so in love and it goes so wrong. This movie really shows how a relationship can go right when you are so in love and how nothing else matters and yet it also shows the reality of when you get your heart broken into a million pieces, even though the writing was on the wall all along. Joesph Gordon Levitt (another underrated favorite of mine) is the main star and gives a great everyman performance as Tom, the man who's relationship was doomed from the star. Zooey Deschanel plays Summer with a laid back way, she tells Tom that she is not serious but she goes along with him and we still feel terrible when the end happens. The movie shows how love can be, great and yet at times heart breaking. Great film.

5. Star Trek - I was so entertained and taken in by J.J. Abrams new Star Trek that I am slowly warming up the Star Trek stuff after being a Star Wars fan for my whole life. This movie is just plain fun, nothing is held back. You get some great action, acting, and a movie that keeps you entertained the whole way! I think the cast was also handled nicely, they choose some good young actors who really make the film have that hip in the now feel, yet also these actors are good at what they do. To be able to remake a much love classic and make it appeal to the old fans and draw in new fans was a very daunting task, one that Abrams was able to do. I cannot wait to see the further adventures of this world that was created.

4. The Hurt Locker - This is a great movie, one that follows the life of a bomb squad solider in Iraq. Kathyrn Bigelow really creates a very tense movie, I felt as if that bomb could go off at any minute during many of these very tense scenes. You really get the feeling of how it would be to in these situations. The movie also shows the toll that being in a war takes on its soldiers, and how for our main character William, the war is all he knows how to do. When he goes back home he feels alienated, his life is to disable bombs and he actually likes it. This movie was very powerful because of the way anything can explode and kill off people in an instant. The performances are all outstanding, and no superstar is in the film. If you want to see a great war movie that speaks to what is happening today go and see The Hurt Locker.

3. Gran Torino- Released very long ago (January 9th) Gran Torino still sticks with me. Clint Eastwood stars and directs. Eastwood is Walt Kowalski a recent widower who lives in a very diverse community in Detroit. Eastwood as Walt is pure pleasure to watch, he really was one of the best performance's I saw in 2009 and was a shame he was not recognised more for it. Gran Torino was more of a movie for fans of movies, the movie did commercially well and is still sitting at #84 on imdb's top films EVER, wow. This movie was vastly underrated, I am thinking the release date may have had something to do with that. Anyway, the film is about Walt and he warms up to the world around him yet still maintains his rough exterior. Honestly, Walt in some way reminded me of people I really know and that is why he stuck such a cord with me. The ending of the movie is sad yet also shows how great a man and character Walt really is. This is also the last acting performance of Eastwood, who know is going to stay behind the lens as a director. Go see it to witness a great performance.

2. District 9 - District 9 is a great piece of film making and all on a small budget. Director Neil Blomkamp's story of an alien race who has crash landed and is now housed in slums. We follow a racist (towards the aliens) man Wikus Van De Merwe who also happens to be a great family man. When something happens to him and he becomes an outlaw he has to hide and become friends with the aliens, all the while trying to get his own life back. The first time actor Sharlto Copley gives an amazing performance as Wikus. The movie really sucked me into the world, if I ever thought aliens would be in our world District 9 represents the world that I think they would be in. The aliens are treated as second class citizens and not given much in life. The movie was shot on an extremely small budget yet makes the effects look amazing, like they spent 100 million not 30 making this movie. Like a great sci-fi movie, D-9 is a commentary on racism and how we view other people or cultures not like our own. This is a great piece of filmmaking filled with amazing acting, great effects, and is easily one of my favorites of 2009. It currently sits at #98 on imdb's best movies ever.

1. INGLOURIOUS BASTERDS - This was the BEST movie I saw in 2009, here is why: The movie just has amazing dialogue and has the BEST performance I saw all year by character actor (well, not anymore) Christoph Waltz, as Hans Landa. He gives you the chills and in the next second can have you laughing your ass off. I was just so taken in by his performance, I give mastermind Quentin Tarantino many props for finding real actors who can speak his witty and non-stop dialogue. The movie is about 3 main characters, one is the aforementioned Hans Landa, the other is leader of the basterds Lt. Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) who leads all Jewish Americans to revenge against the nazi's with the goal of collecting 100 Nazi scalps, and finally the beautiful yet vengeful Soshanna who's family was killed by Nazi's. I cannot say enough good things about this movie. It has many hilarious moments yet also is so suspenseful, the first scene alone kept me on the edge of my seat. The acting is top notch all around, Soshanna is played by Mélanie Laurent an actress who usually does only French films yet she was just amazing. I think it also helped that Tarantino let many of the actors speak their native language, not just English. You have some amazing scenes like the bar gun stand off and the finale of the film in the theatre. Enough already I could go on for a while as to why this is my #1 film.

Again this will be just the rankings, I plan to write a more in-depth final standings after next week. Looking forward to seeing who makes the final playoff wildcards in the AFC. Also I would like to congradulate 49ers Vernon Davis, Andy Lee, and Patrick Willis for making the Pro Bowl, good job guys. Maybe next year they make the playoffs?

#11 - Lost In Translation (2003) The story of two people bored and stuck in Tokyo is the story of Lost In Translation. Bill Murray plays Bob Harris, an actor who is bored with his life and feels a tad empty. Scarlett Johansson is Charloette, she is in Tokyo with her husband who is working. The two hit it off and go on many adventures through Tokyo and become close friends. The friends go through many fun experiences but also realize that it will not last forever...This movie was director Sophia Coppola masterpiece. The acting by Murray and Johansson was really moving, you feel that these people are really getting close and the ending is still on the great mysteries, what did he whisper? That is up to the viewer to decide. The film won best orginial screenplay, and Murray was nomiated for Actor in a leading role. It was also up for Best Picture and Director.

#12 - Inglourious Basterds (2009) Tarantino's Jewish revenge masterpiece! Accoring to my spell check the movie 's title is incorrect, but to be honest this is just an amazing well acted, directed, and overall fun movie.

The cast is filled with some great performances but not from who you would think. Yes, Brad Pitt is the main star and is funny and tough as Lt. Aldo Raine but the star of the movie and one of the best performances of the last decade goes to none other than Christoph Waltz as Hans Landa (aka the Jew Hunter). I will feel terrible if he does not win a lot of awards for his performance! The film is not all action, the dialogue is just perfect, the scenes just keep building up and the dialogue keeps the whole film going. Basterds is a real showing of how a movie can have a lot of action and dialogue and keep the watcher enthralled. I salute the Basterds and Mr. Tarantino for this great piece of cinema.

#13 - Bowling For Columbine (2002) Michael Moore shows that one man with a passion and camera can make a well done movie that really delves into the culture of America. Bowling for Columbine takes a look at the

fear we have as Americans, and how guns, media, and our nation wants us scared to keep us in check. After seeing the movie it made my eyes open to the world around me and how I see things. The movie is not afraid to go after who they think are responsible and hold them accountable, some even face to face. Michael Moore does have an agenda, but his points are all valid and he shows how they are during the movie. It was my favorite movie in 2002 and still hold up to this day. The movie won Best Documentary in 2002 proving that it was just a great movie.

#14 - WALL-E (2008) In my opinion, Pixar's best film of the last decade is WALL-E. The movie that doesn't have much dialogue doesn't need any. This is a brilliant film which shows how far you will go for someone when you are in love. The movie also touches on global waste and how lazy Americans are. Not your typical made for kids feature here, but the thing is that it plays for kids and adults and I believe they both get something very rich out of seeing the film. WALL-E is also the cutest thing around since Gizmo from Grelminspopped out of that box in 1984. Some people were quick to point that WALL-E looks a lot like Johnny 5 from Short Circuit but please...WALL-E the film blows away that movie! Anyway the film looks beautiful and the scenes on earth I could swear were actual real sets. The second half of the movie takes place in space, and it never looked so amazing. WALL-E searches high and low for his robot love EVE and the ending is heartbreaking yet full of glee. If you want to see what I consider to the best family movie of the decade go and see WALL-E. The movie easily won the Best Animated Oscar and was also nominated for 5 other Oscars.

#15 - Children Of Men (2006) I am a big sci-fi fan and Children of Men is how to do the genre the right way. Have a great director in Alfonso Cuarón and add in some great talent, including a personal favorite of mine in Clive Owen. Children of Men tells the story of what life would be like if the human race could no longer procreate. How would you act if you knew the entire species would one day die off because no new children would keep the legacy of life going? It is a very interesting subject matter that is handled with great precision in this film. The movie is greatly detailed making sure not to leave anything out of this world of 2027. The visuals of the movie are simply amazing, two scenes in particular are some of the best of the decade! You have a scene that just never seems to cut and the action is non-stop, with bullets flying and people running. It really has to be seen to do it justice. Children Of Men was given praise upon release, garnering 3 Oscar nominations for Best Achievement in Cinematography, Best Achievement in Editing, and Adapted Screenplay. It was shame that the movie was not a winner, especially on the editing award because it has some of the best editing in any movie of the last few years.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

#16 - Sin City (2005) Sin City is pure comic book noir fun! I just loved Sin City, it was so fun and kick ass. Robert Rodriguez really created a great looking movie, one that is almost an entire replay of the comic but on film. Mickey Rouke as Marv was one of my favorite comic book people of all time, and I think he was robbed not getting nominated for an Oscar. The movie is about four different stories all going on in the street of Basin City. So needless to say you need a ton of actors, and a ton of great ones are in the movie. You have: Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Elijah Wood, Bruce Willis, Clive Owen, and Benicio Del Toro . The movie's style sets it apart from most comic book movies and it was really just a delight to watch the stories unfold. I am still hoping they will do a sequel sometime in the near future. If you want to see a good adult comic book movie than you need look to further.

#17 - Memento (2000)Memento is a great piece of film making, really showing the audience something they have not seen before. The movie is about Leonard (Guy Pearce) who can no longer build new memories, so he tattoos notes on himself or leave pictures around reminding him what he was doing before he forgets. The movie was directed by Christopher Nolan who is currently one of my favorite directors, has he done a bad movie? I will admit I have only seen this movie once, but it still stuck with me after that one viewing. The movie really keeps you guessing at will happen. It was nominated for two Oscars for Best Editing and Best Writing. If you want to see some great directing see Memento.

#18 - Brokeback Mountain (2005) Ang Lee's beautifully well done movie shows that love has no face. The two main characters Ennis Del Mar (Heath Ledger) and Jack Twist (Jake Gyllenhaal) work together and fall in love, simple as that....except that they are men who cannot tell anyone of their love. The movie follows their hidden love through 19 years, even when they marry. This movie really shows how love no matter what type keeps you connected to the ones you love. It just so happens that these two men were cowboys and to keep up their macho exterior so they decided to keep what they had in the closet, so to speak. The acting is amazing and it was a shock that this movie did not win best picture in 2005. It was however nominated for 8 Oscars, and won best director (Ang Lee), Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures, Original Score, and Best Writing- Adapted Screenplay. Ledger and Gyllenhaal were up for best actor and Michelle Williams was up for best supporting actress. If you cannot feel for the two main characters you have never been love.

#19 - Zodiac (2007) Getting into the teens now, stuff is getting a tad more serious here! So let's talk of David Fincher's epic Zodiac. Zodiac is filled with great actors including Robert Downey Jr, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Mark Ruffalo to name a few. Zodiac really recreates the mood, look, and feel of San Francisco in 1970's. Paranoia has set in, as a murderer is running free and calling himself the Zodiac killer. The movie is a real delight, it makes you feel like the killer could be anyone and they even show some of the murders, it is really tense stuff. Robert Graysmith (Gyllenhaal) slowly starts to decode the messages the zodiac killer is sending and at the same time becomes somewhat obsessed with finding out who the killer is. The scariest thing is that through the movie they never really can pinpoint who it is. Zodiac is great and well acted movie which easily will suck you in.

Monday, December 21, 2009

#20 - There Will Be Blood (2007) Daniel Day-Lewis gives what I consider the best performance of the last decade in There Will Be Blood. The movie is about Daniel Plainview (Day-Lewis) and his quest, no his need for oil. I was very moved and taken in by the total transformation Day-Lewis made to become Plainview, it was riveting acting. The movie is also very well done, the director Paul Thomas Anderson really paints the images like a mastermind. The movie looks beautiful and moves at an eery yet satisfying pace. The music by Jonny Greenwood really ads to the overall feel of the movie. I think this movie will stay with you after you see it because it really makes you think about the main character. There Will Be Blood won two Oscars one for Best Achievement in Cinematography and of course Day-Lewis won best actor but it was also up for 6 other academy awards including best picture. If you want to be so taken in by one mans performance I implore you to see There Will Be Blood.

#21 - Spider-Man 2 (2004) Having the origin story out the way Spider-Man 2 was open to jump right into the next chapter, and proved to be one the best comic book movies ever made. The cast is all back, but this time the villain of the movie is Dok Ock who is played to a tee by Alfred Molina. His Dock Ock is not a typical villain, he is someone who you can feel for. Of course we also see Peter Parker moved out and struggling with his life and love life with Mary Jane. The movie really throws you into the world of Spider-Man and how it is in his world with his everyday struggles. The action is bigger and better and the effects work perfectly. The subway chase scene is pure genius and the movie never ceases to be fun and entertaining, just like a comic book! I love comic book movies (you see a lot of them on my list) but Spider-Man 2 is a perfect mix of comic books and film. Bravo Mr. Raimi.

#22 - Buba Ho-tep (2002) Probably one of the least well known movies you see on my list, Buba Ho-Tep is one of the most unusual stories I have seen. The movie is about Elvis living in a rest home. Elvis and an African American JFK take on a soul sucking mummy who is out to get souls of dying or older folks. Yeah, so its not your typical every day movie but it is damn good. I was able to see it a few times in its very limited release. I am a big Bruce Campbell fan but the movie is also well written and hilarious. This is a movie that shows if you have a real passion in making your film you do not need a huge budget or special effects, in Bubba Ho-tep the acting and story provide all you need. Ossie Davis was a well established actor who saw something in this movie, and am glad he saw the potential in the film, his performance is funny and true as a dyed black JFK. Of course Bruce Campbell is just about the entire movie. He really can act and shows why he has such a cult following by playing a dying Elvis. By the time of the ending you really care about the characters and how far they have come.

#23 - The Incredibles (2004) The Incredibles has a great mix of action and great visuals, which make it one of my favorite Pixar movies. Brad Bird really created his own world, not leaving anything out of this massive movie. It starts with the superhero's talking to the camera interview style, and also includes showing how capes are a bad choice, showing the deaths of many heroes due to having capes. Ah I just love this movie! You also have the family element, the entire family are superheros who have decided not to use their powers because they want to be family and not risk their lives. Mr. Incredible starts doing some work as a superhero on the side but it turns out he was working for an evil genius. You also have some great voice acting from Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Samuel L. Jackson, Jason Lee, and many many others. Brad Bird really created a very stylized world for this movie and it looks amazing, even 5 years later. Movie won Best Animated Feature Film of the Year and Best Achievement in Sound Editing Oscar and was nominated for two others (Best Achievement in Sound Mixing & Best Writing, Original Screenplay). It is amazing that this animated movie was considered to be up for best original screenplay ...but it is that good.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

#24 - District 9 (2009)District 9 is why they created the sci-fi genre. Neil Blomkamp created a movie which is about aliens who have crashed landed in Johannesburg, South Africa yet the movie is so much more. Really well done sci-fi movies are critique's on the real world and District 9 does just that. I wont go into too much detail but needless to say the movie is just an amazingly well done film and Blomkamp has already made a name for himself after just this one film. Actor Sharto Copley stars in the movie as Wikus Van De Merwe, a man who is responsible for keeping the aliens of District 9 in check. Copley gives a really heartfelt performance as man who we despise yet come to sympathize with. The movie really gives you a great look into the world of the Prawns, they make it feel so real and possible...not easy to do in our CGI culture. I found that District 9 left me wanting to see more of the world it created. The movie has already garnered some critical nominations including a Golden Globe nomination for best screenplay. There is talks of a sequel, I cannot wait!

#25 - Snatch (2000) Snatch is a smart, funny, and savvy film from the mind of Guy Ritchie. Hot off the heels of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) the film world was eagerly waiting to see Ritchie's follow up. He did not disappoint at all. In fact I think he made his quintessential masterpiece. The movie has amazing actors like Brad Pitt and oscar winner Benicio Del Toro as well as Ritchie mainstays Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham (who got his first acting gig from Ritchie). I know the movie came out in 2000 but I just adored this movie for a long time.and have seen in way more then a hand full of times. The dialogue is so quick and fast you have to pay attention or watch it a few times to get it all. This is a clever and well done film which is as close to Tarantino as you may ever see. It is a shame about Ritchie because after this movie he never really had another huge hit. But RocknRolla (2008) showed a step in the right direction and I am eagerly waiting to see what he will do with Sherlock Holmes. Oh well at least I will always have Snatch to watch!

#26- Star Trek (2009)I know it only came out last May but dammit this was one amazingly well done film. I was never a huge Star Trek fan before this movie but now I am exploring putting Trek before Wars. This movie needed to reach out to the old fans and also pull in new fans alike, and I think mastermind J.J. Abrams did just that. The characters we know and love are all here and this movie just kicks some major ass. The first scene alone has such scope and drama, the movie sucked me in from the start. Chris Pine as Kirk and Zachary Quinto as Spock were both great choices. Pine is charismatic, reckless, and headstrong as Kirk and Quinto's Spock is smart and conflicted. The supporting cast also is amazing and provides comic relief as well as adding a lot to the film. I am a huge fan of this movie and cannot wait to see the direction this series continue to go in.

Besides having a great named leading character Shaun of the Dead is a great homage to the Romero zombie movie of old yet also throws in a bunch of comedy to keep it fresh and original. For many of us in the U.S. it was the first time seeing the comic duo of Simon Pegg and Nick Frost. The guys are a great comedy team who's relationship is hysterical and teeters on homophobia throughout the film. The director of Shaun is Edgar Wright who also went on to direct the comic duo again in Hot Fuzz, which I also highly recommend you watch. If you like zombie movies that do not take themselves seriously at all you cant beat this cult and fan favorite. I will admit it took me a few viewings to really warm up to the film. I enjoyed it but the repeat viewings have made it all the more reason it made my list. Also is #230 film all time on imdb (out of 250).

Saturday, December 19, 2009

Talk about a movie that took me by total surprise In Bruges is a hilarious movie about two hit men waiting around to get their next assignment. The movies two main characters Ray and Ken are played amazing by Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson, who were just great together. The movie really knew how to play for those dark comedy laughs, Ralph Fiennes really steals the entire movie in his small yet memorable role as Harry, the man in charge of everything. If you like Quentin Tarantino/ Guy Ritchie type films, In Bruges is right up your alley. You will be laughing but also praising the amazing acting going on. I cannot wait to see what the writer/director Martin McDonagh will do next. Movie currently sits at #185 on imdb's top 250 movies ever.

Friday, December 18, 2009

This is one just struck a cord with me. I think Kevin Kline is a very underrated actor and he stars as a father who has to take care of his son while dealing with his own illness. Hayden Christensen plays his son, this was before he went to star in the Star Wars prequels.Christensen displays the acting that got him the role of Anakin Skywalker and he is good as the troubled son, acting like he never did in the Star Wars movies. Rounding out the impressive cast is Kristin Scott Thomas, Jena Malone, and Mary Steenburgen. This movie just made me feel all the emotion of a father trying to reach his son, I tend to be a sucker for dad and son movie and this one got me to shed some tears. The movie gives you hope despite all the death that surrounds it.

So as you may have noticed I am using trilogies and just one movie, it is my countdown so I may do so. I have noticed a lot of other sites doing the same thing.

Any movie with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Matt Damon is just asking to be good. These movies were all highly enjoyable and plain fun. I am sure I have watched Ocean's Eleven at least ten times and the movie still oozes with coolness. The cons are smart and well done and having top notch director Steven Soderbergh helps. I will admit I wasn't a huge fan of Ocean's Twelve but thought Thirteen was able to capture the fun of the first movie. One day I will look back at these movies and think how did they got all these megastars to be in three movies together? (Not even mentioning Julia Roberts here, she appears in 11 and 12).

If you do not like people having different taste in movies, I implore you to stop reading right now....still here? Okay you are going to have to be somewhat open minded. SPOILER alert, you will not agree or like many of these movies on my list. But that is what makes movies and cinema great! Everyone has their own tastes in film, what they love or what they hate. I am sure some people only see comedies and some only see art house films. Personally I saw a ton of movies from 2000-2009 and not all the movies I really liked even made this list. If you do decide to read my list please do not judge to harsh, this is just one film lover's opinion. I like action movies and funny movies a ton but I still enjoy a well made movie in general.

Without further wait, I present the movies which made an honorable mention but were not good enough for some reason to make my top 30 list:

Million Dollar BabySpidermanClerks IIThe DepartedShopgirlKiss Kiss Bang BangGran TorinoThe HangoverFinding NemoBest In ShowSuperbadTrafficHarold and Kumar Go To White CastleThe RingHigh Fidelity(500) Days Of SummerThe Hurt LockerIron ManPirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Niners win last night on Monday Night Football got me thinking to the glory days, I was looking on You Tube and found this 1992 Joe Montana comeback game against the Lions. It was Joe's return from nearly two years of not playing. He was put in during the second half. This clip is even cooler because it has the into to the game 90's style. It takes me back to when the niners were always in the playoffs and MNF was usually a great game. Oh and stay tuned after the highlight for an interview with Montana and TE Brent Jones, they even mention Rickey Henderson...lol...

Monday, December 14, 2009

1. -tie. Indianapolis Colts (13-0) - They continue to roll on even though they let Brandon Marhsall set the record in receptions in a single game. They play two 7-6 teams hungry to make the playoffs in the next few weeks, is an undefeated season a possibility?

1. -tie. New Orleans Saints (13-0) - Another close game for them and another win, they seems to keep on rolling and get those close wins. Dallas this week could be there last possible chance to lose an undefeated season.

3. San Diego Chargers (10-3) - They have now won 8 in a row and are on of those teams no one wants to play right now.

4. Minnesota Vikings (11-2) - Took on a good Bengals team at home and handled them well in a 20 point margain of victory.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (9-4) - Had to be one of the craziest games in a while, a 45-38 win over the Giants which gave them the sole lead in the NFC East. There offense seems to be clicking but I have some issues with the defense.

7. New England Patriots (8-5) - Randy Moss may have given up by the rest of the team hasn't. I think they team mvp for them is Wes Welker, he catches everything!

8. Denver Broncos (8-5) - Congrats to Brandon Marshall for breaking the nfl single game record for recpetions in a game, bad news is that you lost to the Colts. More good news, you face the Raiders and Chiefs in the next 3 weeks.

9. Green Bay Packers (9-4) - This team is clicking of offense and defense, and has won five in row. They are playing on the road against Pittsburgh and Arizona in upcoming weeks, that should prove how far this team has come.

10. Arizona Cardinals (8-5) - They should buy stock in some new gloves. They turned the ball over a whoping 7 times on monday night football. Warner and company looked way off their game.

11. Miami Dolphins (7-6) - This team keeps rolling along even with all the injuries they have faced. They have been 7-2 over there last 9 games and doing so without Ronnie Brown or Chad Pennington. This team could surprise anyone.

12. Dallas Cowboys (8-5) - Tough home loss to the Chargers raises a lot of questions about the Cowboys, and losing DeMarcus Ware for any extended period of time ads injury to insult.

13. Baltimore Ravens (7-6) - Ah it sure feels good to play the Detroit Lions invisible defense. They combined for 548 total yards in a 48-3 killing of the Lions.

14. Tennessee Titans (6-7) - Another blowout game, Titans thrashed the Rams to the tune of 47-7. Did I mention yet that Chris Johnson is good?

15. New York Giants (7-6) - Lost in a heartbreaking high scoring loss to the Eagles at home, which now puts them in need of some help to make the playoffs. They might be a good team who doesnt make it this year.

16. Jacksonville Jaguars (7-6) - They are only averaging 12 points a game in their last 3 games. They seems to be stuggling running the ball, as I have noticed on my fantasy team.

17. New York Jets (7-6) - Just when you thought they were done, they suck you back in! Of course if they did not beat the Bucs it would look like something was seriously wrong. Thomas Jones is quietly having another good season (1167 yards and 11 td's)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-7) - 5 losses in a row including your last two to the Raiders and Browns, something is very wrong in Pittsburgh. Oh next three games? Green Bay, Baltimore, and Miami.

19. Atlanta Falcons (6-7) - This team has been ravaged by injuries yet still held close to the Saints in a 26-23 loss. They also have a pretty easy remaning schedule. I would like to see what they could have done with Ryan and Turner for a whole year.

20. San Francisco 49ers (6-7) - So niners have to be the most inconsistent team this year. They are a few plays from having a winning record but something always happens. I was really hoping for a playoff run from my team but it could be too little to late, and they would need to win out which would be possible except that they have to play in Phildeplphia next week.

21. Houston Texans (6-7)- I got to say that Andre Johnson is the best WR in the league when healthy.

22. Carolina Panthers (5-8) - Hoping they keep losing since the 49ers hold the right to their first round draft pick.

23. Buffalo Bills (5-8) - Not sure why they were underdogs to the Chiefs? Looks like their defense has been doing ok lately and they have two good running backs in Lynch and Jackson, tough end to the year they finish by playing Pat, Falcons, and Colts.

24. Chicago Bears (5-8) - Ah Bears, such potential...

25. Washington Redskins (4-9)- There RB's get hurt every week now, it has gone from Portis to Betts to Cartwright to Gather. Yet still only the 4 wins.

26. Seattle Seahawks (5-8) - Only had one touchdown and were not impressive in last win over 49ers, more like lucky. I think signing Housh was not the answer. The answer would be, get a real running back.

27. Oakland Raiders (4-9) - I hate the Raiders and was actually rooting for Gradkowski. Now he is hurt.. "We had heard that Russell’s just had a tough time, and you could tell when he stepped on the field and the crowd started booing,” Washington defensive end Andre Carter said.

28. Kansas City Chiefs (3-10)- Good news is Jamaal Charles is coming around and you are playing the Browns next week. Bad news is you are the Chiefs.

29. Cleveland Browns (2-11)- I heard that Cleveland fans will forget this whole season since they beat the Steelers, um not sure about that.

30. Detroit Lions (2-11) - At one time this offense looked really good, last week they only scored 3 points. They still need a lot of work.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-12)- Last game they didn’t manage a first down until the middle of the third quarter, and that came on a penalty. Nuff said!

32. St Louis Rams (1-12)- Ah poor Rams, back again on the bottom of my list. Keith Null was St Louis' starting Qb, he completed 27 passes for 157 yards with 5 interceptions but alas...he had a touchdown!! Good job 6th round pick out of West Texas A&M. This is why Tim Tebow has a chance in the NFL, indeed.

Otherwise known as the MVP, So who do I see as the front runner for NFL MVP? I will brake down the AFC and NFC by listing three contenders and my pick for who will win. Here we go...

AFC-

#3 -- Chris Johnson RB Tennessee Titans- I know the team is only 6-7 but they have been on a tear since starting out 0-6 and have only lost one game since their bye week, so why the sudden turn around? Chris Johnson has to be the most important player on the Titans. He is on pace to maybe set the record for all time yards rushing in a season. He has 1,626 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns as well as 42 receptions for 391 yards and 2 more touchdowns. I was able to watch him play the niners and he is the real deal. I think he is the fastest running back in the league and is a td threat anytime he touches the ball. If his team started out better he could be the favorite to win this award.

#2 -- Philip Rivers QB San Diego Chargers- Chargers are sitting at 10-3 and have now won 8 in a row. Why Rivers? Well the NFL loves to hype up its young players, especially quarterback's who you will see more of on this list than anyone else. QB's always get the praise and besides the Colts the Chargers are the class of the AFC. I can even see them pulling a playoff upset and beating the Colts. With 3 games left Rivers has lead the Chargers with 3,583 yards passing with 22 td's and only 7 interceptions. I also think his way of leading his team to win at the end of games makes him more valuable. The chargers have had some rushing problems this year and Rivers has stepped up to lead the team to where it is now.

#1 -- Peyton Manning QB Indianapolis Colts - Was there any question? The Colts are Peyton Manning, I am going to be telling my kids one day about being able to watching Manning, yes he is that good. Manning has lead the Colts to a 13-0 record is in every other commericial on TV and is a damn fine quarterback. The Colts have already clinched home field advantage through the playoffs and Manning has had another outstanding season. He has thrown for 3,905 with 29 td's and 14 interceptions. Can you picture the Colts being lead by another quarterback? Would they have half as many wins?

NFC-

#3 -- Aaron Rodgers QB Green Bay Packers - Another young QB who is having an outstanding season. Rodgers is Mr. everything for the Packers this year. The team started out 4-4 and after week 9 they have won 5 games in a row. I also don't know if is just where I live but I have seen the Packers play at least 5 times this year, so they are getting a lot of media attention (a former qb of theirs may have had something to do with that...) and Rodgers is proving he was worth a first round (overall) pick. With three games left he has thrown for 3,579 yards with 25 td's and only 7 interception. He also leads all NFL qb's with 271 yards rushing with 3 more rushing td's. He is a main reason the Packers have turned it around, they can always count on a good game from Rodgers and are looking for a long playoff run.

#2 -- Adrian Peterson RB Minnesota Vikings - Oh, you thought the Vikings were sitting at 11-2 because of Brett Favre? No no no, it is because of this man that Favre is having such a good year. I almost included grey beard on the list but than I said why is he having such a good year? Well Peterson makes the pass game work, the opposing team has to compensate for him and that opens up the pass. He is also having a nice little season with 1,200 with 14 td's and is even becoming more of a factor as a receiver, he has set a personal record with 36 receptions for 319 yards. Without Peterson rushing this team would lack that big td threat and wouldn't be the same team.

#1 -- Drew Brees QB New Orleans Saints - When your team goes 13-0 and you are putting up amazing numbers, you are usually a shoe in to win the MVP. I see no reason why Brees should not win the NFC MVP. He has lead his team to some close wins, and has amazing numbers. He has thrown for 3,832 yards with 32 td's and only 10 interceptions. This guy is like Peyton Manning light, he is a great team leader and since coming to the Saints he has become the face, heart, and soul of the franchise. Brees is easily my pick for the mvp, the only question left is will the team lose and how far will they go in the playoffs?